Syracuse's First Presbyterian sings swan song Sunday

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SYRACUSE  Syracuse’s First Presbyterian Church United celebrated its final service on Easter Sunday, but the choir and organist will reconvene for one more rousing choral concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 6, at the historic church at 620 W. Genesee St.

The choir, under the direction of Joseph Dowling, will sing at 3 p.m. following an organ concert. Admission is free, and all are invited.

“All are welcome whether you are former members, old friends, family or just curious,” according to the church’s website. “Join us in saying ‘Well done’ to a landmark fixture of Syracuse’s Near West Side.”

The church was founded in 1826 and located on West Genesee Street since 1904. After steadily losing members over the years, the congregation voted last October that the church should be dissolved by the Presbytery of Cayuga Syracuse.

Roll over, Beethoven!

Known for its spectacular multi-media presentations bolstered by histrionic heavy metal and glorious, soaring vocals, the Trans-Siberan Orchestra returns to Syracuse to perform “Beethoven’s Last Night 2011,” at 8 p.m. Friday, May 4, at the Onondaga County War Memorial, at the corner of Harrison and South State streets, downtown.

The Boston Herald called TSO’s “Beethoven” a “symphonic slam … with its intricate plot and dazzling stylistic breadth.”

Tickets to Friday’s show cost $31, $48.50 and $58.50; (800) 745-3000.

Buzzards soar Sunday

The Buffalo-based Bar-room Buzzards will fly high when the quartet performs from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 6, at Pensabene’s Casa Grande, 135 State Fair Blvd., in Syracuse.

The May 6 concert is sponsored by the Jazz Appreciation Society of Syracuse. Admission costs $12 or $10 for JASS members. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

The Buzzards will play jazz tunes such as “Muskrat Ramble,” “South Rampart Street Parade” and “Stompin’ at the Savoy.”